A conversation with Rod Burton, solo singer and VP of YMR Music Productions, presenting Branson Gospel Music Convention
First, what is the Branson Gospel Music Convention?
Branson GMC is a new Southern Gospel gathering that will take place in July of 2009 in one of the most popular family vacation spots in the country. It will include daily showcases, an exhibition hall filled with artists, and nightly concerts during a Tuesday-Friday timeframe.
There are several national southern gospel conventions already taking place. What makes this one different?
Well, we have been to a good handful of them, and while we wanted to include what makes them great, we also wanted to add some tweaks that seem to be desired by artists we’ve talked to. This convention is in a prime family location, during the summer, and doesn’t take place over the weekend: these are wonderful perks for artists with kids in school and/or the need to keep weekend concert dates.
What is the goal of this convention?
We want this to be a great time for the artists and the fans attending. We’d like to showcase artists that may not always get a lot of recognition: mainly, groups who are rooted in the heritage of southern gospel and regional artists who work hard and sing great but might not be known by many people outside of their own locales, along side some of the best known names of today. We also wanted to keep this affordable for artists and fans. But, truly, our heart for this convention is ministry. We don’t just want to have some concerts with nice lighting and good sounds. We want Christian people to leave these concerts revived, and we hope anyone else who comes will leave having met Christ.
How do you plan to showcase regional artists?
The best way we can sum this up is to say that at Branson GMC, the mainstage is the only stage. We hope that every artist exhibiting at the convention will also sing during it. This will either happen during the day or the evening, but there is one stage, which means the family group just starting out and traveling from Indiana can very likely appear on the same program as the Blackwoods or the Florida Boys. Why not? They are all doing the same work and answering the same call.
So who is putting together the convention?
Ha. Well, we are. That is, my wife Kelly and I and our partner Paul Morgan are doing most of the work along with several partners not associated with SG and some wonderful support volunteer staff that mainly comes from our circle of family and friends, and one group in particular, our board of advisers.
Who serves on that board?
We currently have members from several areas of gospel music: artists Kenny Bishop, Bobby Carter of the Jay Stone Singers, Brenda Denney of 2nd Generation, Jonathan Bond of Young Harmony, promoter Dusty Wells, and me.
What is the function of the board?
In all seriousness, they are mainly spiritual advisers to the convention. We want to be checked on keeping ministry at the forefront, at keeping the interests and equality of artists at the center, and of course, on making smart business decisions. There is a lot of experience represented in this group of people, and we are trusting them to pool their wisdom and their resources to help us to make the Branson GMC the best possible experience for everyone.
How is planning a convention different than just showing up and being an artist?
My main function for YMR is interfacing with artists. Obviously, my responsibilities are different here than they are for my solo ministry, but in all honesty, this particular kind of responsibility is something of a ministry for me as well. For some time I have felt myself called toward encouragement of other artists, soloists in particular. This allows me to interact with many different artists, building not only a network but a community of people striving to do the Lord’s work as best they can.
What has surprised you so far about planning the Branson GMC?
We clearly had no idea how much work it would be when we came up with this plan! There are aspects of an event like this that I would never have thought of, things as seemingly mundane as the color of carpeting and placement of garbage cans. All of it, along with those “big” things like program lineups and ticket prices, must come together to make a cohesive and pleasant event.
The other big surprise is the attention the convention is getting! There are people who want to be a part of this inaugural event that I never would have expected.
Can you be specific?
Oh yes. We have recently announced that the Diamond Awards, the second largest fan-awards in southern gospel music, will be presented during the convention. We did not pursue this; we were contacted by SGN Scoops about this change… and we are very excited about it!
Realizing that there is a focus on regional artists, who are some of the “names” fans can expect to see in Branson?
There are many names than fans of Southern Gospel music will recognize… Blackwood Quartet, Chuck Wagon Gang, Florida Boys, The Stamps, Kenny Bishop, several members of the Hinson family, and Gerald Crabb. We'll also have The Paynes and several other surprise artists that will just thrill folks in attendance. There are also newer names making a “splash” in the genre, such as 2nd Generation and Young Harmony. We are happy those names will draw in people who currently love Southern Gospel music as well as those who may not have listened in years. And once they come in, they will get to experience newer, more regionally focused artists who have wonderful talents and hearts for ministry.
Again, that seems to be the goal.
Oh yes. We’re excited to showcase a great variety of great artists in Southern Gospel music, but we are also excited about what the fruits of this convention can be. This is Branson in July. We expect that along with people who just love the music and this kind of event, the convention is going to attract random vacationers who need to hear the Word. We know that many people who will attend either the daytime showcase events and/or the evening events will be folks who may not listen to SG today, but were raised in homes that were filled with names like Blackwood, Stamps, etc. This will be a fantastic opportunity to minister to these people and make a difference in their lives.
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 01/01/2009
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Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 7
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How do we get information about getting Taj to be a part of this convention? As we are trying to expand his ministry, this looks to be a prime opportunity.
The Capstone Quartet of Gordo, Al. is also interested in being a part of this Event. Who do we contact?
Try their website:
http://www.bransongmc.com/
Hey there folks...check out the site at http://www.bransonGMC.com. Also...feel free to contact me at 708.960.0111 or my cell 847.867.8269.
—
Rod Burton
http://www.rodburtonmusic.com
http://www.twitter.com/rodburtonmusic
http://www.bransonGMC.com
Just a word of thanks to Rod Burton and those responsible for the Branson GMC. I am signed up and excited about being there.
Gold Harbor signed up for this great event weeks ago because we could see the direction it is headed. It is great place for exposing your group and it's talent. I found out through my buddy and former singing co-heart, Chip Cooper of the Florida Boys Qt. All of you who love gospel music as fans need to get your tickets and if you have a group ready to go to the next level, get your booth now while there are good choices still available. Please come by booth#702 and see us (Gold Harbor).We can't wait to meet you, JR
Wonderful idea, this is gonna work, and my husband and I will be there.
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